Dutch driving quirks expats need to know

Dutch traffic rules are not hard, but a few things genuinely work differently here than in most countries. These six cost newcomers the most points — on the exam and on the road.

1
Cyclists are everywhere

Cyclists have their own lanes, their own traffic lights and often priority. Turning right without a shoulder check is the classic expat mistake — and your passengers need to watch out when opening doors.
2
Traffic from the right has priority

At equal intersections — recognisable by the absence of or priority signs — everything coming from your right goes first. That includes bicycles and mopeds.
3
Shark teeth

White triangles painted across the road mean: give way. They are often there without any accompanying sign.
4
100 km/h during the day

On almost all motorways the limit is 100 km/h between 06:00 and 19:00. In the evening and at night it is 100, 120 or 130 — always follow the signs, because there are exceptions.
5
No learner permit

Without a licence you may only use public roads during a lesson with a qualified instructor. Practising with your partner in the car is not an option here.
6
Environmental zones and parking

Many city centres have that older diesels may not enter, and parking is expensive and almost always handled digitally through an app or a licence-plate machine.

Frequently asked questions

Do cyclists always have priority in the Netherlands?

No. Priority is set by signs and road markings, and at equal intersections traffic from the right goes first — which includes cyclists. In practice you give way to cyclists often, but not always.

What is the speed limit on Dutch motorways?

On almost all motorways it is 100 km/h between 06:00 and 19:00. Between 19:00 and 06:00 it is 100, 120 or 130 km/h depending on the road, and a few stretches now allow 130 during the day too. Always follow the signs.